If Hayan hadn’t quickly pulled Nabin into his arms and shielded his view with his coat, Nabin might have collapsed into a seizure right there in the crowded store. Luckily, once his vision dimmed and he was tucked against that warm chest, his ragged breathing began to settle into something calm and steady.
“Sorry. I should’ve just rented the whole place.”
It was something he could’ve easily done—closing the department store after hours. He had wanted to wander with Nabin like any ordinary couple, so he’d even declined the private services the store provided. But he’d overlooked one crucial thing: that Nabin might be terrified of crowds. That was his mistake.
“I-it’s fine……”
Guilt gnawed at Nabin. It always seemed like Hayan ended up in difficult situations because of him. And yet, despite having done nothing wrong, Hayan still apologized. That guilt filled him to the brim, until even the comfort of Hayan’s embrace felt undeserved.
He wriggled faintly, as if asking to be put down. But instead of letting go, Hayan patted his back and asked softly:
“Is it less scary when I hold you like this?”
Nabin froze. Being carried like a child was embarrassing, and he hated burdening Hayan—but nestled in those strong arms, the terror that had swelled up inside him melted away. He gave the smallest of nods.
“Then let’s stay like this. Okay?”
“……Yes.”
With Hayan insisting, refusing would’ve felt even more ungrateful. So Nabin stopped struggling and leaned into him again.
Furniture for the mansion could wait. What mattered first was clothing—he wanted Nabin properly dressed. Since he didn’t know his tastes, Hayan planned to quietly observe which pieces caught his eye and fill the wardrobe from there.
He had brought Nabin out because he thought staying in the mansion all the time would be stifling. Judging by his reaction, maybe that had been a mistake. Still, seeing Nabin settle against him sparked something in Hayan’s chest—a strange flutter, like butterfly wings brushing gently inside him.
“Welcome, Mr. Lee Hayan.”
He walked into one of his favorite brand stores, where the manager greeted him with a polished smile.
It had been a while, missions keeping him busy, but Hayan slipped easily into conversation.
“I’d like to see the new collection.”
“Of course, sir. This way.”
Among the department store’s brands, this was one of the most expensive—easily top five. Every visit from Hayan meant a month’s worth of sales in one go. The manager promptly guided him to a VIP room at the back.
He felt a flicker of curiosity about the person in Hayan’s arms, but long years of experience told him better than to let it show.
“What would you like to drink?”
“Do you have fresh juice?”
“Yes, orange and strawberry.”
“One of each, please.”
“Right away.”
Normally, Hayan either refused refreshments or asked for a single espresso. This time, the choice wasn’t for him but for the person he carried. Moments later, two elegant glasses of freshly blended juice arrived.
“Would you like to start with the new line?”
“Yes. Bring one of each and dismiss the staff. Smallest sizes you have.”
“Understood.”
The manager selected only the new collection, hung them neatly on a rack, and left with the staff, closing the door behind him.
“Nabin, you can lift your head now.”
As the latch clicked shut, Hayan whispered in his ear. Nabin, who had been hiding against his chest with his eyes closed, cautiously looked up, glancing around like a wary cat.
Unlike earlier, the space was now just the two of them. Realizing this, his fear eased, replaced by the light sweep of relief through his chest.
“Here, drink this.”
Doing what the manager should have done, Hayan handed him both juices, then turned to the rack and began spreading clothes across the table and sofa.
Even to Nabin’s untrained eyes, the garments looked staggeringly expensive.
“They’ll probably all be too big.”
Looking between the clothes and Nabin, Hayan was reminded why he had always favored this brand. Even the smallest size seemed oversized against Nabin’s slight frame.
As a Physical Esper with an extraordinary build, Hayan could rarely find ready-made clothes that fit. Sleeves too short, chests too narrow, pant legs riding high—it was the norm. This brand, however, specialized in clothing for tall men like him.
The coat he’d draped over Nabin earlier was from here, and it already swallowed him whole, the sleeves covering his hands completely. Even asking for the smallest size, everything still looked big.
“Nabin, is there anything you like?”
Just in case, he asked. But sipping strawberry juice through a straw, Nabin quickly shook his head.
For him, clothes were just for covering himself. In winter, warmth was enough. The coat Hayan had given him was warm. Size didn’t matter.
“I think this knit sweater would look good on you. What do you think?”
Hayan shifted tactics. Rather than asking directly, he quietly watched. He knew Nabin’s personality: no matter what was shown, he’d insist it didn’t suit him.
And as expected, Nabin shook his head again. But Hayan caught the way his eyes lingered on the knit a little too long. He set it aside and picked up others.
Pants likely wouldn’t fit, but tops might—even a little loose. He began sorting, discarding what obviously wouldn’t work and keeping what might.
“Forget the pants. Let’s stick to tops. What about this jacket?”
“I-it’s fine, but……”
He had come along because Hayan asked, but actually receiving things made him uneasy. Each time Hayan showed something, he just shook his head.
After going through the rack, Hayan finally called the manager back in.
“Have you chosen, sir?”
“These ones here. Pack them up.”
“Yes, sir. One moment.”
Nabin didn’t even have time to stop him. He had thought Hayan was merely setting clothes aside, but in truth, he had been collecting every piece that drew his gaze.
“Um……”
“Yes, Nabin?”
If he stayed silent, he’d be buried under an avalanche of clothes. Flustered, he called out. Hayan bent down to meet his eyes, answering with such gentleness that even the manager, mid-packaging, flinched in surprise.
“Those… are all for me?”
“Yes.”
Just as he’d feared—Hayan intended to buy him more than ten outfits at once. Gripping his sleeve, Nabin’s voice shook.
“T-that’s too many……”
He might never have been in a department store before, but he knew everything here was outrageously expensive. One knit sweater alone probably cost more than every piece of clothing he had ever owned combined.
“This is only the beginning.”
This time, Hayan ignored his protests. From now on, he wanted Nabin to live without restraint—
To say no when he disliked something, yes when he liked something. To wear only fine clothes, eat only the best food.
Today, Hayan would pay for everything. But in the future, Nabin would have wealth of his own—enough to rival Hayan’s. He could already see the day when Nabin would refuse his gifts, saying he could buy them himself.
Guides capable of Manifested Guiding were beyond rare. An S-rank Guide alone was precious, but among them, only a handful in the entire world could perform Manifested Guiding.
It was like Healing Espers, revered no matter their rank—except Manifested Guiding was a gift reserved solely for S-rank Guides.
Hihi, will you update soon author…? Wednesday has already passed everywhere on the globe… 😭😭😭 I’m really looking forward to the next chap!
I should’ve let this marinated much longer but i can’t help keep checking on nabin